Today is burned in my memory forever ~ I made a fool of myself at ICRS. It wasn't entirely my fault; Gina bears most of the responsibility.
The day started out great, meeting friends and arranging for future interviews. We have some new and exciting ideas for Novel Journey. Gina interviewed a celebrity author whose name I'll let her reveal next week.
I hugged my friend Karen Ball,
Posed with Melody Carlson, Andrea Christian and Gina
Saw my good buddy Julie Dearyan
Then we decided to take a last stroll around the floor. Bad mistake. We're walking down one asile when Gina stage-whispers, "There's Chuck Norris!"
And sure enough, there he was. Signing books. I'd heard he'd written a book. So naturally I whipped out my camera, a Novel Journey card and proceded to trade cards and arrange for an interview.
While his assistant handed him books to sign, I told her how I used to watch him at the karate tournaments back in the 70s, before he ever became famous. Handing him another book, she gave me the strangest look. As that book passed beneath my nose, I glanced at the cover.
The name on the front wasn't Chuck Norris.
My eyes widened, I gave her a weak smile and ran for the nearest exit. Gina circled back and asked someone in line who they were waiting for.
It wasn't Chuck Norris.
Sheesh.
You forgot to add that I laughed my a** off and told everyone who would listen. Look Ane, there's TD Jakes ;)
ReplyDeleteps. guess who just got home because she passed her exit by an hour? (God got me for you :)
Love that one of you and Karen especially.
Oh, goody. More about ICRS. I've been ever year since '99, except last year and this. Sigh. Thanks for the tidbits. Hilarious about Chuck Norris. Love the pics. Yours and Karen Ball's hair are matching colors! Beautiful! Keep the stuff coming. Inquiring minds want to know. :)
ReplyDeleteOnce, my dh Milton was standing in the aisle at ICRS, arms across chest in his familiar stance, waiting on me while I was talking to someone. A lady came up and said, "You look much thinner in person." She and he went back and forth a few times cuz he knew she had him confused for someone famous. Finally, he said, "Who do you think I am?" She said, "Aren't you Joyce Meyer's husband?" He got a laugh out of that. However, they look a little alike. Dark hair and moustache.
I feel your pain! At my first ICRS (before it was called ICRS - back in '98 or '99) my editor told me that Jan Karon was going to be at a particular booth at a particular time. I'd never met her in person, but I'd written a small article related to her Mitford series. So, I proudly marched up to the blonde-haired lady in the booth and declared my admiration for her series. Met with a confused look similar to the one described by Ane, I quickly started back-peddling. It was diet guru Gwen Shamblin! Can you say mortified?
ReplyDeleteYeah, Gina got me on T.D. Jakes, too. We need to rename me to Gull E. Bull. And G, how can one miss their OWN exit on the freeway?
ReplyDeleteDid you get me email that you left your cell phone charger here?
Angela, you poor thing! At least I got to make a quick getaway! LOL
Hi Ane,
ReplyDeleteIt was so fun to read about your time at ICRS. I loved going in past years and hope to go again. Spotting some of my favorite authors is always a highlight for me. Coverage of the Christy Award Banquet was great too.
Thanks!
Carrie T.
Yeah, Ane, if Chuck Norris knew you'd made a faux pas such as this...let's just say there may have been a roundhouse kick involved.
ReplyDeleteYou do know that Chuck Norris doesn't have to autograph his novel, he just stares real hard at it.
Had loads of fun just reading about your adventure. Sigh. I miss you two crazy girls.
LOL, Ane. I had been too busy looking at the pics and your new do to read the story at first. I'm cracking up.
ReplyDeleteDo I hear a lady lit coming up with some of your stories in it?
Thanks for the comments everyone. Kelly, yours cracked me up! Thanks for the laugh as I lie in bed recovering from a horrible migraine. I'm still picturing Chuck staring at the novel and the person in line waiting and waiting and finalling saying, "Will you just sign the freakin thing already?!" ha
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness. That story almost has me rolling!
ReplyDeleteMan, your adventures and the comments almost made me spit my coffee on my computer. What a great way to avoid doing housework. Love all the pics!
ReplyDelete